saber & foil

1 oz Rhum Neisson Blanc
1 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
1/2 oz Gran Classico
1/2 oz Lustau Dry Amontillado

Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Two Thursdays ago, I ventured over to Spoke Wine Bar in Davis Square. For a first drink, I asked bartender Sam Karachi for the Saber & Foil which he described as one of California Gold's creations. Cali later came over to discuss how she was influenced by Scott Holliday's Defensio, a rhum agricole riff on the classic gin-based Lucien Gaudin Cocktail. In keeping with the fencing theme and rhum agricole base, Cali shot for something a bit lighter in balance and similarly named the drink after some of the lighter thrusting weapons used in sword sport. Moreover, she wanted to keep the concept in line with a rhum agricole Negroni.
The Saber & Foil's grapefruit twist contributed greatly to the drink's aroma. The sip offered dry wine notes, and the swallow began with grassy followed by nutty and ending with bitter herbal flavors.